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Tickborne Diseases

Ticks are small, spider-like creatures that feed upon the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. They are found in woods and grassy areas and don’t fly or jump but climb on as an animal or human passes by. They vary in size.

Vermont’s Department of Health has identified 15 different species of ticks in the state, however, over 99% of all tickborne diseases reported to the Vermont Department of Health are caused by the blacklegged tick.

How to prevent tick bites

The best way to prevent tickborne diseases is:

  • Avoid places where ticks thrive
  • Use a safe recommended repellent
  • Use repellent containing at least 30% DEET
  • Wear long sleeves, long pants and a hat
  • Check your clothes and body for ticks after being outside
  • Community Health providers find that many people end up suffering longer than necessary from tickborne diseases because they don’t seek treatment even when they develop symptoms.

Know the symptoms of tickborne diseases

While Lyme disease remains the most common tickborne disease in Vermont, other diseases like anaplasmosis and babesiosis are also being reported. Knowing the symptoms is important.

Lyme disease, is caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. Typical Lyme disease symptoms include: fever, headache, fatigue, and a skin rash that looks like a bullseye. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotic treatment.

Anaplasmosis is a blood disease. The signs and symptoms of anaplasmosis may include fever, severe headache, muscle aches, chills, and shaking. Less frequent symptoms of anaplasmosis include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, cough, diarrhea, aching joints. Unlike Lyme disease, anaplasmosis doesn’t cause a rash. Onset of illness occurs 5 to 21 days after exposure to an infected tick. It can be treated with an antibiotic.

Babesiosis is caused by an infection with a microscopic blood parasite. Often, those infected don’t experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically begin one to four weeks after a tick bite and can include fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, or fatigue.

How to remove a tick

If you find a tick on your body, remove it as soon as possible using these instructions:

  1. With a steady motion, pull straight up until all parts of the tick are removed. Don’t be alarmed if the tick’s mouthparts stay in the skin.
  2. Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
  3. Clean your hands and the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
    You don’t need to go to your healthcare provider or the emergency room to have a tick removed. If you have trouble removing the tick, or you can’t reach it, ask a family member or friend to help. There are tick removal tools you might want to buy that will make tick removal easier. Watch for symptoms of tickborne illness and see a healthcare provider if you get sick.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid health problems related to tickborne diseases.

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